Mayor Dale Berry and Alderman Patrick Brown were honored at a retirement reception Monday, June 16 at the First Baptist Church of Magee family Life Center.
Family, friends, and co-workers were in abundance to say thank you along with goodbye to the multiple term public servants, enjoying memories, hugs and handshakes.
The program opened with prayer lead by Pastor Darnell Moffett and presentation of the American and Mississippi flags by members of the Magee Fire Department and Magee Police Department. Music was provided by Lawana Thompson, Libby Shivers, Rosemary Stuard and Jeff Blackwell. Sue Honea shared opening remarks before former Mayor Jimmy Clyde took the podium as guest speaker.
Clyde spoke to the commonalities Berry and Brown shared including their love of the city of Magee, Magee Trojans and their love of sports, in particular football. He added both men chose to return to Magee to live and raise their families even though they had opportunities to go elsewhere. Clyde stated making the decision to retire is a difficult one after giving your time to serve others.
The former mayor shared several career highlights of both men as employed public servants and members of their community. He thanked Berry and Brown for their commitment and years of service in the public eye.
Plaque presentations were made by Fontaine McNair to Alderman Brown and Brentley Berry to his father, Mayor Berry. Brown and Berry shared brief remarks about their years in service.
The presentation closed with special prayer by FBC pastor Dr. Ryan Wade for Berry’s health issues as well as prayers for the community.
